A flight-risk, restricted free agent won't have a lot of ground to stand on by comparing himself to a UFA-to-be winger who had at least 3 superior seasons to Radulov's best. He can ask for "don't make me leave" money (again, like Zherdev did) but I'm not sure about this whole $5 million per year business...especially given his play in the playoffs wasn't exactly awe-inspiring...

mikey287 wrote:A flight-risk, restricted free agent won't have a lot of ground to stand on by comparing himself to a UFA-to-be winger who had at least 3 superior seasons to Radulov's best. He can ask for "don't make me leave" money (again, like Zherdev did) but I'm not sure about this whole $5 million per year business...especially given his play in the playoffs wasn't exactly awe-inspiring...

Ales Hemsky's stock is on the decline. He got that money despite his poor play. Ales was the healthiest he has been in years - more games played, but only put up high 30 point total this year. Hemsky might have talent, but his production sucks. Everyone knows it (Radulov's agent included), except the fool who offered Hemsky that contract. If he is worth 5 million to someone, I could easily see ARad getting it.

Not for penguins, but if a team could do that / radulov would agree.. That would get him more $ I'd imagine

That stipulation is the contract itself. Each league respects the others' contracts at this point. But nothing other than his word prevents him from bolting. It's like signing something when you're 18 that says you will never commit a crime, it means well, but it doesn't physically prevent crime.

$2.5 million max, but even with that I'd be cautious because the guy didn't play much defense in the playoffs and so I'm not sure he would be a good addition. Maybe Malkin/Bylsma could finally talk some sense into him, but who knows.

mikey287 wrote:A flight-risk, restricted free agent won't have a lot of ground to stand on by comparing himself to a UFA-to-be winger who had at least 3 superior seasons to Radulov's best. He can ask for "don't make me leave" money (again, like Zherdev did) but I'm not sure about this whole $5 million per year business...especially given his play in the playoffs wasn't exactly awe-inspiring...